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Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2516, 25 August 1888, Page 2

In the Public Works Statement recently published by us, it was stated that the capital cost of the telephone system in the colony was £532,855, a sum that at once struck us as a marvellous and incomprehensible piece of extravagance. It is evident, however, that there must have been an error in the telegraphic transmission of tho message, for we find by the Departmental report, since received, that the capital expended on telephone exchanges up to 31st March last, was £57,595, a vast difference indeed, and one that sets our mind at rest. We here take the opportunity of observing that the annual report of the Telegraph and Postal Department is exceedingly clear and business-like. It is, perhaps, the only branch of the Public Service which is profitable. Although there are features connected with it to which, in the public interest, we can justly take exception, such as the high salaries, we, however, do not hesitate to say that the Department as a whole displays careful management and performs a tremendous amount of work without friction with the general community. Pains have keen taken to reduce the expenditure, and as occasion arises amalgamations and reductions are continually being made which lessen the Departmental expenses without impairing its general efficiency.